Spawned in the first inventory slot of every newly created classic character, and craftable from 5 Copper Bar at an Iron Anvil. The blade delivers 5 base melee damage at Very fast velocity with a 13 use duration and 4 knockback. Following the 1.4 update, the blade can thrust in any direction pointed toward the cursor, allowing precision stabs against hopping slimes or burrowing worms approaching from odd angles.
Vital endgame crafting role in the Zenith forge
Despite offering the lowest base damage among all metallic melee weapons, this humble blade holds immense endgame value. It functions as a necessary component in the crafting recipe for Zenith at a Mythril Anvil. Players should store their starter sword safely in a chest rather than selling or discarding it. For combat purposes before replacing it with broader weapons, Legendary provides the greatest balance of damage, speed, and knockback improvements.
Trivia
Because it is required to craft Zenith, the Copper Shortsword remains one of the few starter items kept until endgame.
Characters created in Journey Mode also spawn with this weapon equipped in their primary hotbar slot.
Terraria Map
Zenith